The 84th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on September 06, 2019, on the theme of “Role of Media for Social Cohesion”.
The first guest on show, Mr. Safiullah Gul, Bureau Chief, Aap TV, Peshawar said that the role of media is vital – for social cohesion and strengthening the fabrics that socially connect the people – especially in the diverse societies. Media has been actively enhancing the political education in the society for quite some time now through all its forms like electronic, social and print. Its role is undeniable where it has developed a culture of debate over the issues of public concern through its demand oriented, public information and participatory programming.
To establish social cohesion and bond among the masses, media – to some extent – has focused on the importance of society development and inclusion; developing civic sense through drama production, positive messaging and various other forms of strategic dissemination. Role of women in media needs to be improved greatly to have gender inclusive programming. The ethical standards and code of conduct are absolutely paramount for improving role of media for social cohesion and positive messaging, he concluded.
The second guest in the show Mr. Arshad Aziz Malik, Editor, Daily Jang Newspaper, Peshawar opined that our media is quite responsible and playing its role in a very positive manner and reporting on Kashmir issue is a good example of it. We need to focus on the capacity building of journalists to enable them play a positive role for social cohesion, he concluded.
The third guest on phone, Ms. Farzana Ali, Bureau Chief, Aaj News, Peshawar, said that both international media and Pakistani media are raising their voice on the issue of Kashmir and the brazen violation of human rights in the valley. Women are most vulnerable and affected in this situation; suffering from both emotional and physical damage and women journalists can always better understand and bring such miseries to light.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.